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New research shows almost half of LGBT+ adults are estranged from family and a third ‘not confident’ their parents will accept them

by Just Like Us
April 2023

An LGBT+ family - two parents and two children - hold a rainbow kite

Almost half of LGBT+ young adults (46%) are estranged from at least one family member and a third (31%) are ‘not confident’ that their parent/guardian will accept them, according to new research by Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity.

The survey of 3,695 adults aged 18 to 25 found that LGBT+ young adults were twice as likely as non-LGBT+ young adults to say they were not close to their immediate family members (14% compared to 6%). 

For trans and non-binary adults, this figure jumped to a fifth (19% and 23% respectively).

A third of LGBT+ young adults fear negative reaction from parents to their coming out

Sadly, a third (31%) of LGBT+ young adults were not confident that their parents, guardians or carers would have a positive response to them coming out. 

Trans and non-binary young adults least confident their parents will accept them

The LGBT+ identity most confident that their parents or carers would accept them were lesbians (72%), and the least likely were questioning (47%), asexual (56%), non-binary (57%) and transgender (57%) young adults. 

The data forms part of a new report by Just Like Us (the LGBT+ young people’s charity) called Positive Futures, due to be published on 1 June. Just Like Us’ research was carried out independently by Cibyl in January 2023. 

The report will look at the experiences of young LGBT+ adults in the UK, covering a range of topics from their wellbeing, home life and time in school to their experiences in the world of work, as well as taking into account intersections like faith, race and disability. 

“It’s sadly a common myth that being LGBT+ is easier today, when in fact many LGBT+ young adults remain fearful of their parents not accepting them.”

— Amy Ashenden, interim CEO

Amy Ashenden, interim CEO of Just Like Us, the LGBT+ young people’s charity, said: “As LGBT+ people, many of us know the anguish that the breakdown of family relationships causes us when we’re not accepted for who we are. 

“It’s sadly a common myth that being LGBT+ is easier today, when in fact many LGBT+ young adults remain fearful of their parents not accepting them, with almost half estranged from at least one family member.

“It is heartbreaking to see that so many LGBT+ young adults spending their formative years in fear that their parents won’t love them because they’re lesbian, gay, bisexual or trans. 

“LGBT+ young people should know that their identities are valid and deserve to be celebrated, and we hope more parents and teachers will show them that this is the case.

“When there is silence, there is shame, so we must talk about these topics in school and at home to ensure LGBT+ young people no longer live in fear of rejection.”

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